This bill proposes to establish the Emergency Food Assistance Fund, which will be administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). The fund will consist of legislative appropriations and will be continuously appropriated, exempt from lapsing provisions. The DES will utilize the fund specifically for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during federal government shutdowns or when federal funding is unavailable. Additionally, the fund may be used to provide temporary food vouchers, electronic benefits, or direct assistance to households not eligible for SNAP, as well as grants to food banks and community-based organizations to enhance emergency food distribution.

Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of $5,000,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the newly established Emergency Food Assistance Fund. This funding aims to ensure that essential food assistance is available to vulnerable populations during times of federal funding disruption.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 46-232